Kia Forte 2017

2017 Kia Forte Expert Rundown Review

Looking for a great compact offering the latest and greatest technology and features? The 2017 Kia Forte might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

Transcript

MARK TAKAHASHI: I'm Edmunds editor Mark Takahashi. And here's an Expert Rundown of the 2017 Kia Forte. There are three different Kia Forte models that include a sedan, an upcoming coupe, and this, the Forte5 hatchback. For 2017, the Forte gets a slight facelift, some new features, and a sporty seven-speed transmission. For hatchback shoppers, getting the most for your money is key. The Forte5 definitely does that with a lot of standard and optional features, but it does come up short in terms of fuel efficiency. The Forte5 has a lot more cargo space and versatility even than the sedan. But compared to other hatchbacks, it's only about average for the class. Inside the Forte feels roomy. There's even enough space for taller adults in the back seats. And the interior has a nice modern design with plenty of quality materials. We do need to point out, however, that many advanced safety features are only available on the sedan. Whether it's the hatchback or sedan, when you factor in a very generous warranty, the Kia Forte's bottom line is that of an undeniable value. This gives it enough to battle our class favorites that include the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Ford Focus.

The 2017 Kia Forte has been significantly refreshed for the new model year to remain competitive in the hot compact sedan market. Wider and longer but not taller, the Forte now takes a sleeker, more aggressive stance, and styling touches such as revamped headlights and taillights, a sloping beltline and Kia?s ?tiger nose? grille lend a European touch to a car from a Korean automaker that is made in Mexico.

In addition to a revamped look, the 2017 Forte gets a new, more fuel-efficient 2.0-liter base engine, a new transmission, an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a host of available safety and driver assist technologies. There?s also a sporty new S trim level with firmer suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a number of extra comfort and convenience features.

The Forte ups the ante for compact car interiors with sporty design, surprisingly good quality materials, room for real adults in both the front and back, well-placed controls and a generous amount of cargo room. Higher trim levels even include luxury touches such as heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. And an available navigation system, drive mode system (with Normal, Eco and Sport modes), and the latest infotainment and connectivity functions should help engage technophiles.

The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque and is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a newly engineered six-speed automatic transmission. Power for the top-of-the-line EX model is provided by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque and only comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Although not class-leading in acceleration or handling, the Forte performs capably on the road. The suspension is tuned on the firm side — especially in the new S model — but most buyers will likely find the ride to be comfy enough. The redesigned six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, progressive shifts, but shoppers in the market for something a bit more sporty may be disappointed that a manual gearbox and the higher-output engine are not available in the S.

Fuel economy for the entry-level 2017 Forte equipped with the base engine and automatic transmission is EPA rated at a combined 32 mpg (29 city/38 highway). Move up to the EX model and the rating drops to a combined 28 mpg (25 city/33 highway).

The base Forte LX is equipped to compete well with its compact sedan rivals, and its emphasis on technology features is sure to strike a chord with many shoppers. The S trim level provides a firmer ride, as well as a number of sporty interior and exterior touches, while the EX adds a slew of luxury and convenience features. Consumers in the market for a hatchback or coupe will also find Forte models to suit them. Whatever your preferences, let Edmunds help you find the right 2017 Kia Forte to meet your needs.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Kia Forte and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Forte featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review ProcessAll of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What do people think of the 2017 Kia Forte? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Kia Forte and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Forte a 4.4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Forte.

Vehicle LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Review Bought a 2010 Forte LX (5 speeds manual) back in 2010. 160K miles later, I had to trade it in for a 2017 Forte LX (manual 6 speeds). What an improvement ! First of all, not one problem, itch or snooze on my previous Kia. Never opened the hood. All oil changes done by professionals. I already had great mpg, but this new one ? Even better. Manual says 32 city/39 Highway. I get 41 city/45 Highway. Of course, my commute (120 miles per day - 20% city and 80% Thruway) is pretty much on flat road (no hills) and the temperatures are constantly over 40 degrees. Good dry conditions. Speed of 70-75 mph when Tach read 2,750 rpm. This car purrs and swallows the miles one by one. Comfort is what you can expect from a "small" car. Everything being new, you need some time to get used to it, or for the car to get used to you. Now, odd enough, no spare tire nor donut in the back trunk. Just some kind of fix-your-flat-yourself-kit with a plug-in pump (and patch?), enough for 50 miles to get to a station (?).The dash boards illuminates nicely and I still have not figured out why the outside temperature reading starts flashing when it get under 40 degrees F (or everytime it drops under 30, 20 etc...). Acceleration is nice, although there seem to be a soft spot when starting in 1st gear which obliges you to push and reach 4,000 rpm or shift into second very quickly. The sound is definitely not premium. Automatic windows is a nice upgrade from my previous Kia and the electronic lock/unlock is also a nice addition. I hope to have it last a long time. From previous experience, it will. Update after owning this Forte for 7 Months: Winter is over. No special tires, just the ones this car came with and no problem on the snow (and God knows that Rochester, NY, can have plenty of it). No sliding. Really happy about the mileage per gallon. Constantly hitting the 47.5 mpg, although this little car doesn't seem to like the rain (or the cold). At 2,500 rpm, on highway, you should easily get 50 mpg without pushing your gears too much (of course, no extra weight/passengers/luggage). Still a "dead spot" when starting in 1st gear and I suspect a "bad" electronic distribution, but not enough to put that car through computer testings. So far so good. Reliable it is. A year has passed. Mileage per gallon is still the same 47-48 miles per gallon, although I suspect that this will change with the cold weather coming. Still, no problem and hood is staying closed (besides oil changes done by pros). Still very happy with the purchase

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